Pastor at Dover Baptist Church in Goochland, VA.
I. THE TRANSITION MOMENT (John 4:1–6; Mark 1:14; Matthew 4:12; Luke 3:19–20) Last week, we witnessed the beginning of the end of John the Baptist’s public ministry. Today, we return to the account after his arrest. The prophet who called people to repentance by the Jordan is now locked behind prison walls. And in this... Continue Reading →
I. The Time of the Beginning (Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2) Mark doesn’t ease us into his Gospel. He opens with the forceful declaration: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV). There’s no mention of mangers or Magi, no angelic announcements to Mary or Joseph. Mark skips the... Continue Reading →
Luke 2:21-38 records the circumcision and naming of Jesus, as well as when the young Jesus was presented in the Temple. It also beautifully illustrates the theme of obedience to God’s law through faith. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about belief but about living in obedience to God. Like those in... Continue Reading →
Introduction: While the Gospel writers provide only a few details about the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, they emphasize two key points. First, they make it clear that his birth really happened. They include family lineages, ancestral towns, historical references to Roman emperors and local rulers, and the testimony of eyewitnesses to confirm its... Continue Reading →
Two Genealogies It’s easy to gloss over the long genealogies in the Bible, thinking they are just lists of names. However, these passages have a deeper meaning. These names are a reminder that God’s plan for salvation was set in motion long before Christ’s arrival (Luke 24:44-46). When we read of figures like Abraham, Boaz,... Continue Reading →
Introduction: The Gospel of John stands apart from the other Gospel accounts. While the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) provide detailed historical narratives of Christ’s life and ministry, John’s Gospel focuses on the spiritual and theological significance of Christ’s identity and mission. Theologians like John Calvin have described John’s gospel as the “soul” of... Continue Reading →
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning... Continue Reading →
AUDIO: LINK MUSIC: Acoustic Beginning - Simple and Singable PASTOR CROWDER: Good morning, and welcome to the annual Dover Baptist Christmas Cantata. Today, we embark on a journey through the ages, celebrating the mystery, the wonder, and the majesty of Christ’s birth. Our first hymn this morning is the beloved: “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel.”... Continue Reading →
Sermon Audio: LINK Opening: As we have seen over the last three weeks, the story of Ruth is one that begins with tragedy, and yet gradually unfolds with hope. In the first chapter, Naomi and her family leave Bethlehem during a famine, but after the loss of her husband and sons, Naomi returns home with... Continue Reading →
Sermon Audio: LINK Opening: Today, we're diving into Ruth chapter 3, but first, let's quickly refresh ourselves on the journey so far. Our journey through the book of Ruth began with Naomi, a woman who once felt utterly forsaken. She had known the fullness of family, cherished a life blessed by God, and experienced the... Continue Reading →
hardincrowder.com 